Taiboc Technology, a well-known medical device manufacturer in Taiwan, is facing accusations of long-term mistreatment of migrant workers, including practices that may constitute forced labor. The Taiboc workers’ union protested today (7th) outside the Ministry of Labor, alleging that the company not only requires migrant workers to pay excessive broker fees, but also imposes harsh rules restricting their personal freedom and even suppresses union leaders. They called on the government to launch an investigation.
“Medical devices save lives; exploiting workers destroys lives!” shouted the protesters. Taiboc’s union is the second enterprise-level union in Taiwan formed entirely by migrant workers. During the protest, union members pointed out that while Taiboc’s products are sold worldwide, its management practices violate basic labor rights and show signs of forced labor.
Union Secretary-General Wang Ying-da stated that Taiboc supervisors require migrant workers to upload a photo every night between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. to prove they are in the dormitory. Workers who fail to upload the photo on time receive a warning. Even using an extension cord can result in a warning. Accumulating warnings forces workers to perform “labor service”—cleaning tasks after working hours—for 30 days without overtime pay.
Union leader Lin said the company is even harsher toward female workers. For example, workers who become pregnant are immediately sent home. Even on rest days, spending a night outside the dormitory could lead to punishment. Workers going out to visit family or simply get some air risk being assigned 30 days of labor service.
She added that the company imposes various types of broker fees: NT$18,000 for contract renewal, NT$50,000 for returning to the Philippines and coming back, and NT$18,000 for transferring from another employer. Workers who resign must pay one month’s salary as a penalty. She said:
“This entire system traps us in debt and forces obedience. It ensures we cannot escape, even when we’re suffering.”
Lin also noted that when migrant workers united to form a union to defend their rights, Taiboc immediately retaliated—blocking union leave applications, pressuring members to withdraw from the union, and threatening to revoke all benefits for those who refused. The union demands that Taiboc follow the law, stop union-busting practices, and refund all transfer fees, renewal fees, broker fees, and service fees.
The Ministry of Labor responded that the international supply chain is highly attentive to forced labor issues—especially the principle of fair recruitment and employer-pays, meaning zero recruitment fees for migrant workers has become a global standard. The Ministry emphasized that employers must not interfere with workers’ right to join unions or obstruct union activities. If the Ministry’s labor arbitration committee determines such actions constitute unfair labor practices, penalties will be issued accordingly.
[RTI/Reporter Yang Wen-chun]2025-11-07 11:45 (Updated 11-07 12:05)
[Photo by Yang Wen-chun]